Ronnie James Dio is a true heavy metal icon and, as widely reported, for the past few months he has been treated for stomach cancer.

Dio has been going to M.D. Anderson since late last year for his treatments.

"Why come to Houston? It's the best hospital", Dio said as he got ready for a round of chemotherapy at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center on Monday.

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"I've been poked and prodded in holes I never had before," Dio said.

Dio made the 'devil's horn' hand gesture part of Heavy Metal culture and those hands now get support from wife Wendy, nurses and doctors. Dio first noticed symptoms after Halloween. He felt chest-pain and indigestion and was eventually given the cancer diagnosis and now he comes to Houston every two weeks for treatment.

"I'm lucky that I'm a hard person in terms of my beliefs," said Dio.

"Cancer, I'll kick the hell out of you."

"Ronnie is a very feisty person, He's taking in in stride. He just wants to get on with his life," Wendy Dio said.

At the moment, getting on with life means flying in from Los Angeles for five hours of chemotherapy and then flying back home. Band members have come with him to offer support, the latest being bass player Geezer Butler.

Wendy Dio is always with him and the treatment seems to be working. Wendy has said that the tumor is getting smaller and Ronnie expects to go back on tour soon.

"The fans have been incredible, it proves to me that I've done something right with my life," said Dio.